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We were saddened yesterday to learn of the loss of Bailey Noe.  We were scheduled to photograph her at her home this coming Monday.

Though she seemed to be in stable condition, her diabetes took a dramatic downturn, and her humans decided to relieve her suffering yesterday.

We didn’t get to meet Bailey and I am just so sad about this.¬† Photographing these aged, wise dogs is important to me.¬† Because I know when they’re gone their humans find great comfort in our photographs.

Sadly we didn’t get the chance with Bailey.¬† Our deepest sympathy to the Noe family.¬† As Bob Noe said, “She taught us so much about unconditional love.”

Bailey

We finished our holiday card sessions with a family shoot as well as a make-up session for our favorite 3 cockers.

Grizz, the chocolate lab, and Obie, the giant St. Bernard, brought their family out for a card session.  We had a great time and I was glad I had a barn to shoot in!

This raucous and playful bunch was followed by the return of Sophie and Lexie with their newest addition brother, Harley!¬† We shot Sophie and Lexie at the farm last summer.¬† Lexie’s brother, Harley joined them in time for their holiday session.¬† He got the featured single image here since he missed the summer session!

Have you ever seen such big fluffy feet??!!¬† I loved the Hollywood drama of his single shot!¬† After the “bull in the china shop” with Obie, these three sort of danced and floated about as we shot.

What fun!

Yesterday we visited with Ben – finally. Ben’s shoot rescheduled several times from early summer when we were having so many thunderstorms. Given the amazing color we got yesterday I’m glad, in the end, we postponed until fall.

Ben is all lab. He met us yesterday with 3 toys in his mouth at once and honestly thought we were there to spend the day chasing him! Until the treats came out.¬† He quickly got the idea of “model shoot” and was happy to lie about the beautiful grounds of the farm he shares with his humans, 2 other dogs and 2 cats.

Ben is a dog with deteriorating joints and a ton of soul.¬† It’s his rear legs that are the problem.¬† Ben has found this yoga-type move to help him rise. He gets his front legs under him and “pops” upwards in order to not stress those painful back legs.

He was a trouper yesterday – following us (and our tasty treats) and hanging in until we were done. He even found time to bark at the UPS man.

I always say it’s all about the eyes. In Ben’s case this was especially true.¬† I just think there is so much history and soul there.

After we rambled around his property Ben invited us in to warm up and snack on some candy corn. He even carefully followed us downstairs where we caught a few last restful poses.  Thanks for a great afternoon Ben!